New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

What should you do if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the infant's neck during delivery?

1. Immediately clamp and cut the umbilical cord

2. Give 100% oxygen to the mother and transport at once

3. Provide free-flow oxygen to the infant and transport

4. Attempt to slip the cord gently over the infant's head

The correct answer is: Attempt to slip the cord gently over the infant's head

During delivery, if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the infant's neck, gently attempting to slip the cord over the head is the correct approach. This action can help to alleviate any potential restriction on the infant’s neck, which may be compromising blood flow or oxygen supply. Keeping the pressure off the neck is vital for the infant's safety and wellbeing during the critical moments of birth. Clamping and cutting the cord immediately might not be appropriate unless the situation is dire, as it could lead to complications like increased bleeding or distress for the infant. Providing 100% oxygen to the mother is generally a supportive measure for the fetus but might not address the immediate issue of the cord entanglement directly. Similarly, offering free-flow oxygen to the infant should only be done after delivery, when it can be more effectively administered and is not a solution for resolving the umbilical cord issue during the birth process. In this situation, ensuring the safe delivery while minimizing disruption to the infant's circulatory and respiratory systems is of utmost importance, making the option to gently maneuver the cord the most appropriate response.